The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban on May 1. Now, the department is taking additional steps to protect park visitors and resources due to the extremely dry conditions.
Effective Tuesday, May 25, smoking in Maricopa County’s regional parks will be prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or at developed recreation sites such as parking lots and campsites. Individuals who smoke in designated areas are being asked to please ensure all materials are fully extinguished before leaving the area.
The heightened restrictions come on the heels of recent wildfire activity within White Tank Mountain Regional Park and Cave Creek Regional Park boundaries. The department’s decision to increase fire restrictions aligns with the Bureau of Reclamation, Tonto National Forest, and Arizona Department of Forestry and Management in the Central West Zone’s current fire restrictions.
The usual restrictions, which include banning the use of all campfires, fire pits, and charcoal in grills or any other manner, are still in effect; however, it is acceptable to use gas/propane grills in designated areas. Violation of Park Rule R-113 may result in a citation. A date to lift the fire ban has not been established.
Eleven Maricopa County regional parks have been affected by the fire ban: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Hassayampa River Preserve, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional Park, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.
If you have any questions regarding the fire ban, call the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at (602) 506-2930, or visit maricopacountyparks.net/.